Lake House spreads new wing

The history of The Lake House Arts Centre has just been added onto. Literally.
The almost completed Haydn and Rollett Art Studios, in the old barracks behind the historic building, have a number of things in common with the Lake House. Both were cut up for transportation, are architecturally similar and from the same era.
``The barracks arrived this time last year. They had to be cut in half to fit on the truck,'' says chairwoman Ruth Ell. ``The Lake House was cut into seven pieces then reassembled on the site in 1997.''
Ruth has been involved with The Lake House Arts Centre for eight years and instigated the new extension.
``We needed a bigger space. The domestic-sized rooms in the house were never adequate for studios, let alone classes,'' she says.
The barracks provide space for a pottery studio, a classroom, a print room and a sculpture studio.
``The classroom can be hired for anything. So far, we've got a belly dance group and Japanese drummers interested,'' says manager and curator Kim Boyd. ``We want to diversify our arts so it isn't just visual arts.''
Originally, the barracks stood at Fort Cautley, the military defence site at the foot of North Head, dating back to the 1880s, with Fort Takapuna at its core.
``Two barracks are still there,'' says Ruth. ``The rest were demolished. There were 10 all up. We got the building for free.''
The barracks' exteriors have been restored to their original condition, while the interiors were reconfigured. A deck now links the studios. - by Kirsten Grant The Barracks Arts Studios will be opened officially on March 4. Info: 486 4877, lakehousearts@ihug.co.nz or www.lakehousearts.org.nz.